Ohtani Jokes About 'Bullies' Needing Translator Despite English Prowess

Dodgers' star player Shohei Ohtani remains committed to using his translator, citing potential for 'weird questions' from the media.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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During the Los Angeles Dodgers' training camp, Shohei Ohtani humorously addressed questions about his translator, joking that he still needs the assistance due to potential 'bullies' who might ask him 'weird questions'. Despite delivering an impressive MVP acceptance speech entirely in English, the Japanese star player emphasized the continued importance of his translator Will Ireton, who has been with Ohtani since 2024 after a scandal involving the previous interpreter.

Why it matters

Ohtani's reliance on a translator, even after demonstrating his English proficiency, highlights the challenges international athletes can face in navigating the media landscape and communicating effectively in a non-native language. His lighthearted comments also underscore the unique pressures and scrutiny that high-profile athletes endure, especially when dealing with the media.

The details

Ohtani, a renowned two-way player, has been dominant both at the plate and on the mound. After recovering from surgery that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, he returned to pitching in June 2025 and maintained his hitting prowess, becoming the first player since Alex Rodriguez to record 50 or more home runs consecutively. In the 2025 postseason, Ohtani continued to impress, playing an instrumental role in the Dodgers' consecutive World Series victories and earning his third straight Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

  • Ohtani delivered his MVP acceptance speech entirely in English at the 101st annual Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) Awards Gala in New York on January 25, 2026.
  • Ohtani's previous interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was dismissed in March 2024 after being implicated in a gambling controversy that included allegations of stealing money from Ohtani's account. Mizuhara was sentenced to 57 months in prison in February 2025.
  • Ohtani is preparing to represent Team Japan at the upcoming World Baseball Classic (WBC), which will begin on March 6, 2026 at Tokyo Dome.

The players

Shohei Ohtani

A Japanese professional baseball player who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers as a two-way player, both pitching and hitting. He is a three-time MVP and has been dominant on the mound and at the plate.

Will Ireton

Shohei Ohtani's current translator, who has been with him since March 2024 after the previous interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was dismissed due to a gambling controversy.

Ippei Mizuhara

Shohei Ohtani's previous interpreter, who was dismissed in March 2024 and sentenced to 57 months in prison in February 2025 for being implicated in a gambling controversy that included allegations of stealing money from Ohtani's account.

Dave Roberts

The manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who expressed optimism about Shohei Ohtani's potential to join the Cy Young conversation, emphasizing that health and consistent starts are the primary goals for the upcoming season.

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What they’re saying

“I still need him because there might be some bullies out there that might give me some weird questions that I'm sure he can handle.”

— Shohei Ohtani (Sporting Tribune)

“I think it's fair to say, he expects to be in the Cy Young conversation. But we just want him to be healthy and make starts. All the numbers and statistics will take care of themselves.”

— Dave Roberts, Dodgers Manager (SportsNet LA)

“If the end result is getting a Cy Young, that's great. Getting a Cy Young means being able to throw more innings and pitch throughout the whole season, so if that's the end result, that's a good sign for me. I'm just focused on being healthy the whole year.”

— Shohei Ohtani (Sporting Tribune)

What’s next

Ohtani will not pitch for Team Japan in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, as Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced. The team will begin its title defense on March 6 at Tokyo Dome.

The takeaway

Shohei Ohtani's reliance on a translator, even after demonstrating his English proficiency, highlights the unique challenges international athletes face in navigating the media landscape and communicating effectively in a non-native language. His lighthearted comments about 'bullies' and 'weird questions' also underscore the pressures and scrutiny that high-profile athletes endure, especially when dealing with the media.